The family of footballer Abdelhak Nouri, who sustained severe brain damage after collapsing during a practice match last year, is holding Ajax responsible for what happened to him. The family is stepping to the KNVB arbitration committee, because Ajax refuses to accept any liability for the brain damage Nouri sustained, the family's lawyer said, NOS reports.

Nouri collapsed due to heart arrhythmias during a practice match against Werder Bremem in July last year. The young footballer was resuscitated on the field for several minutes before being rushed to hospital. Nouri was diagnosed with severe and permanent brain damage, likely caused by a lack of oxygen after he collapsed. He has been in a coma in a care institution ever since.

According to the family, footage shows that resuscitation started too late. Ajax acted against all medical guidelines, the lawyer said. The family already held Ajax accountable in January, but the Amsterdam club refuses to accept any liability, according to the lawyer. The family is therefore appealing to national football association KNVB.